The Mobile Market, which has brought a new way to shop for groceries to several Lexington neighborhoods where finding fresh food is challenging, celebrated its first year of operation Friday.
“Since it went into operation in June 2023, the Mobile Market has had over $100,000 in sales through 7,200 transactions,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said. “It has answered a real need. It is serving a lot of people.”
The Mobile Market is a rolling food oasis that makes three stops each day, Tuesday through Saturday, rotating through 22 different locations in Lexington. Busier sites get weekly visits; others welcome the Mobile Market twice a month.
“This is a place where anyone can purchase fresh produce and staples,” Gorton said. “It has been a way to address insufficient nutrition, improve general health, and address childhood obesity by providing access to nutritious food.”
The Mobile Market grew out of a recommendation in the 2020 Racial Justice and Equality Report to the administration, said Tiffany Brown, the City’s Equity and Implementation Officer.
“The Lexington Mobile Market has been a powerful initiative to address health disparities and improve health outcomes by bringing fresh, affordable and nutritious food directly to communities that lack access,” Brown said. “This approach tackles some of the significant social determinants of health, but most importantly, food insecurity, while fostering community building and social connections.”
Two partners are involved in the Mobile Market, along with the City. It is stocked by The Kroger Co., and operated by God’s Pantry Food Bank.
“Thank you to our partners and neighbors who have made this project a success. The Lexington Mobile Market has had an impact on many communities, neighbors, and families in its first year, and we are just picking up steam,” said John Rupp, Senior Manager, Nutrition Programs, God's Pantry Food Bank. “We look forward to continuing to serve more and more Lexingtonians, and expanding our reach."
Rupp said the Mobile Market is always looking for new neighborhoods and sites to visit. To inquire about hosting the Mobile Market, contact Rupp at God’s Pantry Food Bank.
Kroger has said it appreciates the opportunity to provide access to friendly service and fresh food at affordable prices through the Mobile Market.
The Mobile Market is a 60-foot trailer. It houses a single aisle stocked with a healthy selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, milk (dairy and nondairy options), chicken, beef, pork, deli meat, cheese, yogurt, and a limited amount of household products, such as toilet tissue, detergents, and other cleaning products.
The Mobile Market operates on a cashless system - no cash is accepted or stored within the Mobile Market. Customers pay by debit card, credit card, or SNAP/EBT.
